Question:
I am having open RNY in 8 days! I need some encouragement.

I am having surgery on Oct 31. I am really freaking out. I constantly have butterflies in my stomach and cry at the drop of a hat! Is this normal? I am really scared. I have never had surgery before and I am afraid something with go wrong. I need some reassurance. Also, what did you do to calm down pre surgery?    — kristaz (posted on October 23, 2000)

October 23, 2000
Hi Krista: You've chosen a wonderful surgery to have and I know it will be quite beneficial to you! Your "butterflies" are quite normal! Something I did presurgery was begin walking a little bit every day and I increased the time I walked each week prior to surgery. This had two benefits - I lost a few pounds and I calmed down. I was in better shape for the surgery then, in more than one way! I noted that you've never had surgery before. I am quite experienced with surgery, having had around 15 surgeries in my life -- and I've never had problems with any of them, really. You'll talk to the anesthesiologist prior to surgery (probably the morning of surgery) and you should ask him any questions you have. He'll tell you what he plans to do for you during surgery and with your pain medications. His sole job during your surgery is to keep track of your pain medication, your breathing, your heart rate, etc. He is a highly educated doctor. Perhaps you'll have two anesthesiologists as I did, or else one of those and a nurse anesthesist. They may give you some medication to relax prior to taking your into the surgery room. In my case, I got really nervous this time one week prior to surgery - even though my mind told me not too. Isn't that funny? But, on the morning of surgery, I was extra calm -- as if I were just watching what I was going through as a spectator. Frankly, I believe that calmness was an answered prayer. If you have more questions, feel free to email me. Best wishes.
   — Cindy H.

October 23, 2000
Krista, your anxiety is normal. Just hang in there. This is no walk in the park, and no one can deny it's serious surgery. But it's nothing that you and your medical team cannot handle. Try to stay as busy as you can to take your mind off of things. Clean the house well, organize a few closets, start walking NOW. If you want my list of pre-op tips, let me know and I would be happy to e-mail them to you. Make a list of the health and social goals you would eventually like to meet - the dreaming is very uplifting.(Keeping my lists helped me a lot to stay busy.) It's important that you sleep well this week because you will need energy in the hospital, and you don't want to be overly tired already when you check in. Try to do some "quieting" exercises - breathe deeply and turn off the TV. If you feel that the anxiety is realy getting the best of you, talk to your surgeon. He can prescribe meds to help you calm down if he thinks it's really necessary. Take comfort in the fact that many, many people have gone SUCCESSFULLY before you. Soon you'll be on the other side, and that's when the magic starts to happen. I am down 84 pounds - halfway to my goal. I cannot begin to tell you the wonderful things that have happened in my life since my birthday on May 10, 2000! Hang tough - you'll do great!!!
   — Paula G.

October 23, 2000
Krista--I hear ya honey. I, too am having surgery on Halloween. I am finding that I am not stressing about it as long as I am busy. I am finishing all my loose ends up here at work, and then cleaning like a mad women when I am at home. I want to sterilize my house and then organize my closets before I go in for surgery. I also plan on sorting my clothes into sizes so that I will have all that done. That's how I am keeping busy. Good luck and I will be thinking of you!! 8 days to go!! YAY
   — enjo4

October 23, 2000
Hi, Krista! Wow, do I ever know what you are going through! I had open RNY on 08/17/00. I cried all the time prior to and just after surgery. I have had 3 knee surgeries and a wrist surgery in the past, but this surgery was much different for me emotionally. Since I live 2 hours from where I was having the surgery done at, I spent the night before at a hotel with my sister. As I was preparing to leave and saying good-bye to my family, I began to sob. I never anticipated how emotional I would be. That was the one thing that I was completely unprepared for. After the surgery and when I returned home, I was still experiencing alot of emotions. But this time, I was experiencing both highs and lows. The lows occurred mostly when having difficulties with recuperation. Let me explain so that I don't scare you. I had difficulty changing to each advanced stage of food. I had mostly stomach cramping that lasted from a couple of days to five days. That is when I became depressed and questioned if I made the right decision. After a few weeks, the lows subsided. I think it was mostly because I started to see and feel the result of the surgery, the weight loss. I am now 9 1/2 weeks post-op and doing great. I no longer question my decision on having the surgery. I know, with confidence, that I did the right thing. I have lost 62 pounds and already feel like a different person. I am more active and happier than I have been in a long time. Hang in there, the emotional rollercoaster you are on will soon end, and the ride will be worth it. Just focus on the future and what you want to achieve, instead of the here and now. Please feel free to email me if you need some support in the future. Good Luck!
   — Adria M.